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EDWARDS, Calif. -- NASA has selected L-3 Vertex Aerospace of Madison, Miss., to support the operations of all aircraft assigned to the agency's Dryden Flight Research Center at Edwards Air Force Base and the Dryden Aircraft Operations Facility in nearby Palmdale, Calif.

The cost-plus-award-fee contract takes effect July 1 following a month-long phase-in. It covers a base period of 22 months with two one-year options and one 14-month option. If all options are exercised, the total value will be about $77.1 million and the period of performance will extend to June 30, 2018.

Under terms of the contract, L-3 Vertex Aerospace is responsible for maintenance of all aircraft, aircraft engines and related ground support equipment for Dryden's fleet of specialized research and support aircraft. The aircraft range from motor gliders and modified commercial aircraft to former military high-performance and one-of-a-kind research aircraft. Services include organizational, intermediate and limited depot-level aircraft maintenance; aircraft modification; and aircrew and flight line operations support.

The contract also supports aircraft operations and maintenance when those aircraft are deployed to locations other than Dryden. Major subcontractors identified by L-3 Vertex Aerospace include Integration Innovation Inc., of Huntsville, Ala., and LOGMET LLC of Austin, Texas.